Dark Jaguar and Skull, cedar wood mask

This is a striking cedar wooden sculpture that draws heavily from Mayan and Aztec iconography, specifically the "Jaguar Warrior" motif. It is a contemporary hand-carved piece, from Mexico, blending traditional cultural symbols with modern craftsmanship.

- It comes in two main sizes: 23"x17"x8"; 20"x15"x8, or 15"x12"x7"
- This sculpture can stand firmly in a flat surface, or it can be hand on wall. It comes with a strong hook ready to be attached to a wall.
- 100% hand carved by an Artesano from Chiapas Mexico.

Visual Breakdown
The Jaguar Headdress: The outer shell of the sculpture is a dark-stained wood carved into the head of a jaguar.

The Eyes: Inset with bright turquoise-green material.

The Mouth: The jaguar's jaws are wide open, framed by four prominent, light-colored wooden fangs. This "maw" acts as a frame for the central figure.

The Inner Skull: Nestled inside the jaguar’s mouth is a skull carved from wood and finished in a vibrant, weathered teal/turquoise color.

The skull features deep, hollow eye sockets and a textured surface that mimics aged stone or ceramic.

The teeth are carved individually in a lighter wood tone, creating a sharp contrast against the blue face.

The Base and Detail: The sculpture sits on a natural wood slab. To the right in the background, there is another smaller, more traditional Mayan-style face carved into a tree or log, suggesting this piece is part of a larger collection or an artist's workshop.

Symbolic Meaning
In Mesoamerican cultures, the Jaguar represented power, the night, and the underworld, while the Skull represented the cycle of life and death rather than a morbid end. A face (or skull) emerging from a jaguar's mouth often symbolizes:

Transformation: The transition between the physical world and the spiritual realm.

Protection: The jaguar acting as a spiritual guardian or "Nagual" for the individual within.

Elite Status: Referencing the elite Jaguar Warriors who wore such pelts and headdresses into battle.